Class 3A Championship Preview: Westview vs. Gatlinburg-Pittman

After nearly three and a half months, the 2025 TSSAA football season is down to the final round: state championships in Chattanooga. Every game is lined up to be a good one, but the 3A matchup between 13-0 Westview and 14-0 Gatlinburg-Pittman is one of the most intriguing of them all.   These are two of the premier programs in Tennessee, boasting unbelievably talented squads led by stout defenses.   I'm breaking down this state championship matchup, including key players to watch, crucial factors for both teams and a game prediction. Let's get into it.   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/10/gsimpson.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1529148" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Westview QB [player_tooltip player_id='424594' first='Graham' last='Simpson']. Photo by Westview Athletics.</figcaption></figure>   - - - - -    Key Players to Know   Westview   '28 (QB) [player_tooltip player_id='424594' first='Graham' last='Simpson'] – This sophomore quarterback is one of the best in the country for a reason. He has a nice arm, outstanding accuracy and excellent poise/confidence in the pocket.   After a sensational freshman campaign in 2024, he followed it up with another good year in 2025. Simpson has thrown for over 3,000 yards with 30+ touchdowns.   '27 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1103496' first='Asa' last='Barnes'] – The junior running back continues to dominate this season, especially in the postseason. Through four playoff games, [player_tooltip player_id='1103496' first='Asa' last='Barnes'] has double-digit touchdowns and will be a massive threat on Friday.   '28 (DL) [player_tooltip player_id='1032139' first='Drake' last='Hickman'] – Westview defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='1032139' first='Drake' last='Hickman'] has been outstanding for the Chargers this season. He's a big guy with nice athleticism and explosiveness that can blow up the run game and rush the passer well.   The sophomore D-lineman is one of the most significant factors for this game.   '27 (ATH) [player_tooltip player_id='1422977' first='Miles' last='Brown'] – [player_tooltip player_id='1422977' first='Miles' last='Brown'] has been a force on the perimeter on both sides of the ball as a receiver and cornerback.   On offense, he is one of Simpson's favorite targets and can make explosive plays happen. On defense, he is a shutdown corner that can lock up any opponent's top receiving option.   He is a key factor in his team's success.   '26 (WR) [player_tooltip player_id='964719' first='Donteze' last='Joy'] – The senior wide receiver is one of the most dynamic offensive players in the state and must have a big day against Gatlinburg-Pittman.   [player_tooltip player_id='964719' first='Donteze' last='Joy'] is an outstanding deep threat who's averaging nearly 20 yards per reception.   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/12/braymaples.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1586874" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Gatlinburg-Pittman RB [player_tooltip player_id='1182191' first='Brayden' last='Maples'].</figcaption></figure>   - - -    Gatlinburg-Pittman   '27 (RB) [player_tooltip player_id='1182191' first='Brayden' last='Maples'] – [player_tooltip player_id='1182191' first='Brayden' last='Maples'] is one of the best players in this matchup of unbeatens. He's racked up nearly 1,500 all-purpose yards and 30 total touchdowns in 14 games this season.   Maples needs to have a big game against his powerful Westview team.   '26 (WR) Elijah Spence – The senior wide receiver leads his team in yards with 1,003 on 19.3 yards per reception. He's a compact and shifty weapon who can do it all for Gatlinburg-Pittman and will need to have a big game against Westview.   '27 (DE) [player_tooltip player_id='1871036' first='Elijah' last='Valentine'] – The junior defensive end will be vital in this game as he leads GP in sacks and is second in TFLs.   Against a dynamic offense, he and the rest of that defensive line must get pressure.   '26 (RB) Cecilio Rodriguez – Cecilio Rodriguez has been good all season as the RB2, but has still racked up over 1,000 all-purpose yards and 16 touchdowns.   Westview will try to stop the run first, so Rodriguez will be vital to keep the ground game moving.   '26 (MLB) [player_tooltip player_id='1432214' first='Craig' last='Huskey'] – Gatlinburg-Pittman's senior linebacker has been sensational in 2025, accounting for 117 tackles, 12 TFLs, six QB pressures and one sack.   He'll be relied on this weekend to help lead his defense.   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/Asa.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1950674" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Westview RB [player_tooltip player_id='1103496' first='Asa' last='Barnes'] on X.</figcaption></figure>    - - - - -    How Can Westview Win    The Westview Chargers have rolled through everybody this season.   Well, Gatlinburg-Pittman will be their first legitimate challenge. The Highlanders are a good defensive team with a potent rushing attack, which could pose problems for WHS.   To win this game, the Chargers must slow down that two-headed monster at running back on the other side and force the Highlanders to throw it. They can do it, but it'll be much tougher without their usual run game.   Then, do what they do offensively. Westview is going to score 30 or more points in this game; it's inevitable.   As long as they can neutralize Gatlinburg-Pittman's offense, they'll be just fine.   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/chuskey.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1729537" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Gatlinburg-Pittman MLB [player_tooltip player_id='1432214' first='Craig' last='Huskey'].</figcaption></figure>   - - -    How Can Gatlinburg-Pittman Win   It's not so easy to paint a picture of how Gatlinburg-Pittman wins. They're a talented team, but Westview is a buzzsaw. However, their running backs will be the key to winning the state championship.   To beat them, GP must score some points, obviously.   But they need to do so by running the football and draining the clock. These are two very different teams, and if Westview gets into a rhythm offensively, the ball game is over.   The Highlanders must grind out possessions on the ground while limiting the Chargers' opportunities. If they can do that, they'll have a good shot in this contest.   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/08/natallen.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1790781" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Gatlinburg-Pittman DB [player_tooltip player_id='1671044' first='Nathan' last='Allen'].</figcaption></figure>   - - -    Game Prediction    As much as I would love to pick the upset, I don't feel confident in thinking anyone can stop Simpson and Co.   Westview won't blow out Gatlinburg-Pittman, but they'll outscore them and deliver the knockout punch late in the game to end things.   While I have Westview winning, it wouldn't surprise me to see this be highly competitive, especially in the first half.   Score: Westview 38 Gatlinburg-Pittman 21

After nearly three and a half months, the 2025 TSSAA football season is down to the final round: state championships in Chattanooga. Every game is lined up to be a good one, but the 3A matchup between 13-0 Westview and 14-0 Gatlinburg-Pittman is one of the most intriguing of them all.